Life Insurance

• 1). Review the literature provided when you left the military. Locate insurance information in your discharge information.
  
  
• 2). Go to the Veterans Affairs website and locate the application form. Complete the necessary forms to change your life insurance from service coverage to veterans coverage.
  
  
• 3). Make certain to follow up and complete this process in a timely manner. You have 120 days to convert your insurance without proof of good health. You have a year and 120 days from discharge to apply and provide proof of good health.
  
  

Health Insurance

• 1). Contact Veterans Affairs and see if you have health care benefits with the VA after separation from the military. Combat veterans after about 2003 receive five years of medical care for combat-related illnesses.
  
  
• 2). Apply online or at the nearest Veterans Affairs hospital facility. You will need your discharge papers and personal information for the application process.
  
  
• 3). Wait for the VA to contact you about your application. The VA notifies you of approval or denial of VA benefits.
  
  

TRICARE Insurance

• 1). Explore TRICARE insurance if you are retired from the military. There are three TRICARE programs. Prime is for a military treatment facility. Extra is a PPO or preferred provider option. TRICARE Standard charges a fee for each service.
  
  
• 2). Review coverages and services along with plans and costs at the tricare.mil website.
  
  
• 3). Apply for TRICARE even if you qualify for Medicare. This insurance supplements Medicare. This medical coverage is available for survivors and families as well, and provides dental insurance.